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ADVOCACY GROUPSHere is contact information for groups with opposing stances about the North Port City Commission's 3-2 decision to sell the city's half-interest in Warm Mineral Springs:SELL: facebook.com/wtp.northport, WTPNorthPort@aol.com.DO NOT SELL: North Port Advocacy Alliance, npadvocacyalliance@gmail.com

It is a debate that has spilled beyond the chambers of government, with groups forming to represent each side, each claiming to represent North Port's "silent majority."

On Monday night, city commissioners will weigh whether to sell North Port's half ownership in the iconic resort — the only natural warm mineral springs in Florida and a site that attracts visitors from around the world.

In doing so, North Port could also lose control over the property. As part of the $2 million offer from Sarasota County, North Port is being asked to de-annex the spring's 81 acres.

Mayor Linda Yates and newly elected city commissioners Rhonda DiFranco and Cheryl Cook comprised the majority in the commission's recent 3-2 decision to sell North Port's interest in the springs. In 2009, the city and Sarasota County bought the springs with the intent of working with a private developer to turn it into a tourist destination.

The split among North Port's leaders mirrors the fractious debate within the community.

Resident Wendy Namack and others last month to organize as the nonprofit North Port Advocacy Alliance and petition the commission to keep its stake in the springs. The alliance claims to represent "the silent majority."

Stephen Schoenfeld, a Realtor, is organizing a group called We The People that he says will represent "the real silent majority," the voters who put DiFranco and Cook in office last fall "because they campaigned on a platform to restore fiscal sanity in our city."

While the groups cite "silent" majorities, in this issue there is no shortage of voices clamoring to be heard.

The Herald-Tribune recently asked readers for their opinions about the decision to sell the city's half-interest and nearly 50 readers, mostly North Port residents, responded.

The diversity of opinions showed how hard it will be for North Port to reach a consensus about what should or should not be the city's role regarding the environmentally sensitive, archaeological site that is also a scenic attraction.

Some respondents want the commission to rescind the decision to sell.

"I have been a resident here for many years and have been waiting for the city to snatch up this diamond in the rough, polish her up and see what happens," Dave Shremshock of North Port wrote. "I thought it was a nice start with the agreement with the county and the proposed joint effort."

"If there are no known financial issues that would have a serious impact on North Port, Warm Mineral Springs should remain as an equally shared resource to be developed for the benefit of the city and Sarasota County," Edward Bush of North Port wrote.

Others think the commission should put the property in private ownership again.

"Sell it," Michael Raby of North Port wrote. "The government has no business being in business. This should be in private hands and back on the tax roll."

"The people are tired of government using our money to buy things we don't want like the spring and professional stadiums," Edward G. Siderits of North Port wrote.

Still offers think talk of selling or redeveloping the site is premature.

"First, we must ask what precautions are needed to protect this treasure and not act irresponsibly," North Port resident Paul J. Valois commented. "Before building anything in the area, like a hotel, there should be a study — including a seismic study to determine the stability of the ground surface. Then there is the water quality issue... Too many questions need to be answered before we jump."

<p><em>NORTH PORT</em> - The debate on the future of Warm Mineral Springs is dividing this city like few issues it has confronted.</p><p>It is a debate that has spilled beyond the chambers of government, with groups forming to represent each side, each claiming to represent North Port's "silent majority." </p><p>On Monday night, city commissioners will weigh whether to sell North Port's half ownership in the iconic resort — the only natural warm mineral springs in Florida and a site that attracts visitors from around the world.</p><p>In doing so, North Port could also lose control over the property. As part of the $2 million offer from Sarasota County, North Port is being asked to de-annex the spring's 81 acres.</p><p>Mayor Linda Yates and newly elected city commissioners Rhonda DiFranco and Cheryl Cook comprised the majority in the commission's recent 3-2 decision to sell North Port's interest in the springs. In 2009, the city and Sarasota County bought the springs with the intent of working with a private developer to turn it into a tourist destination.</p><p>The split among North Port's leaders mirrors the fractious debate within the community. </p><p>Resident Wendy Namack and others last month to organize as the nonprofit North Port Advocacy Alliance and petition the commission to keep its stake in the springs. The alliance claims to represent "the silent majority."</p><p>Stephen Schoenfeld, a Realtor, is organizing a group called We The People that he says will represent "the real silent majority," the voters who put DiFranco and Cook in office last fall "because they campaigned on a platform to restore fiscal sanity in our city."</p><p>While the groups cite "silent" majorities, in this issue there is no shortage of voices clamoring to be heard.</p><p>The Herald-Tribune recently asked readers for their opinions about the decision to sell the city's half-interest and nearly 50 readers, mostly North Port residents, responded.</p><p>The diversity of opinions showed how hard it will be for North Port to reach a consensus about what should or should not be the city's role regarding the environmentally sensitive, archaeological site that is also a scenic attraction.</p><p>Some respondents want the commission to rescind the decision to sell.</p><p>"I have been a resident here for many years and have been waiting for the city to snatch up this diamond in the rough, polish her up and see what happens," Dave Shremshock of North Port wrote. "I thought it was a nice start with the agreement with the county and the proposed joint effort."</p><p>"If there are no known financial issues that would have a serious impact on North Port, Warm Mineral Springs should remain as an equally shared resource to be developed for the benefit of the city and Sarasota County," Edward Bush of North Port wrote.</p><p>Others think the commission should put the property in private ownership again.</p><p>"Sell it," Michael Raby of North Port wrote. "The government has no business being in business. This should be in private hands and back on the tax roll."</p><p>"The people are tired of government using our money to buy things we don't want like the spring and professional stadiums," Edward G. Siderits of North Port wrote.</p><p>Still offers think talk of selling or redeveloping the site is premature.</p><p>"First, we must ask what precautions are needed to protect this treasure and not act irresponsibly," North Port resident Paul J. Valois commented. "Before building anything in the area, like a hotel, there should be a study — including a seismic study to determine the stability of the ground surface. Then there is the water quality issue... Too many questions need to be answered before we jump."</p>